S3 Computing Science Report Comments (Scotland)

Computing science covers computational thinking and algorithms, designing, writing, testing and debugging code in block-based and text-based languages, how computers represent data, computer systems and networks, building web pages and databases, and safe, legal and responsible use of technology.

Below are 13 sample sentences for S3: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Secure / Consolidating / Developing / Beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 288 computing science sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Secure · Consolidating · Developing · Beginning · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Secure S

Strengths

[Name] designs a relational database with linked tables and explains how linking them avoids storing the same information twice.
Asked how a computer works, [Name] gives a detailed account of the difference between memory, which holds what is running now, and storage, which keeps files when the power is off.

Next steps:

Comparing the specifications of two devices, [Name] should justify which better suits two contrasting tasks by linking processor and memory differences to performance.

Consolidating C

Strengths

With occasional guidance, [Name] builds a simple relational database with two linked tables and explains why linking them saves repeating information.
The difference between memory and storage is generally clear to [Name]: memory temporarily holds data and instructions in use, while storage retains files when power is off.

Next steps:

Drawing structure diagrams for longer tasks, showing how the problem breaks into parts, will help [Name] plan solutions before coding.

Developing D

Strengths

Using step-by-step notes, [Name] sets up two linked tables in a database and is developing a sense of why linking them is useful.
Working from a planning sheet, [Name] sketches a layout for a web page and builds parts of the design.

Next steps:

Practising short text-based tasks that ask for input and give output will help [Name] become familiar with the layout of text-based code.

Beginning B

Strengths

With step-by-step guidance, [Name] is beginning to see how two tables in a database can be linked by a shared piece of information.
Through class activities, [Name] is beginning to understand that storage retains files after a computer is switched off.

Next steps:

Using sentence starters to explain how one change fixed a typing error will help [Name] reflect on debugging in text-based code.

Support at home

Chatting about a news story on technology, such as a data breach or a new invention, and asking your child's view helps them think about its effect on people.

How to write computing science comments for S3

In S3 many pupils move to text-based programming. Describe whether the pupil can plan a solution first, with a flowchart or structure diagram, and then write, test and fix the code. Target the step that slows them down.
Comment on testing: does the pupil try normal, extreme and unexpected inputs and fix what fails? A next step such as writing a short test plan before coding is clear and measurable.
Note understanding of data and systems, such as how numbers, text and images are stored in binary or how a database query works. Pupils weighing up subject choices benefit from a clear picture of their strengths.

Watch out: Avoid describing a pupil as good with computers. Being quick with devices is not the same as computational thinking, so describe a specific skill, such as breaking a problem into steps, and one concrete next step.

The four levels describe how secure, accurate and independent the learning is in what has been taught, never a CfE level. Secure suits detailed, accurate work applied to unfamiliar tasks; Consolidating suits a sound grasp with occasional guidance; Developing suits sometimes, or with a model or worked example; Beginning names what is starting to show and the support that helps. Show the level through the work rather than writing the level word.

What Computing Science covers

In these comments, computing science covers these behaviours:

computational thinking: breaking problems down, patterns and algorithms
designs, writes, tests and debugs programs, in block-based and text-based languages
understands data representation, computer systems and networks
builds and evaluates digital solutions such as web pages and databases
uses technology safely, legally and responsibly, including cyber resilience

More Scottish secondary subjects comments

How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.